Rajya Sabha member Ram Kumar Kashyap has adopted Bhadson village in Karnal district as part of the Centre’s ‘Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajya Sabha member Ram Kumar Kashyap has adopted Bhadson village in Karnal district as part of the Centre’s ‘Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A former member of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), Kashyap told Hindustan Times on Monday that he had planned to start a tree plantation drive on large-scale to sensitise residents about environment degradation.

“I will try to make sure that each resident of the village plants saplings in the identified open space and ensures their upkeep. Also, I intend to focus on education and urge other like-minded volunteers to teach village students on the weekends,” said Kashyap.

A resident of Kurukshetra and an active member of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), the 63-year-old leader said he chose Bhadson village due to its proximity to his residence so that he can give maximum personal attention to the project.

“The Prime Minister’s initiative is really impressive and I ensure residents that I will extend my full support to make it a success. Coming from a family with financially humble background, I understand the problems of villagers and will work to bring visible social changes there,” he said.

Kashyap said as scheme aims to empower villagers and provide them with opportunities to exercise their choices, he will ensure that the initiative does not remain a formality.

“I worked as technical analyst in the Department of Economic and Statistical Analysis, Haryana, and also worked as an expert for National Sample Survey Organisation. I will my use my specialisation in understanding issues of villagers and will work for a solution by community participation,” said Kashyap, who holds degrees of MA (economics) and laws.